Cost of Education: Wow, College is Expensive

A college education is fast becoming what a high school diploma was thirty-plus years ago

, a way to get a job. Without an education, finding gainful employment can be downright difficult. For many people, a dichotomy exists when trying to determine whether or not the cost of college coupled with the future gains outweighs the opportunity costs of foregoing the money that could be made working full time instead of taking classes. And it's more than just tuition.

Many students and parents of students, when saving for college, do not realize that tuition may make up as little as 30% of the actual cost of school. When fees, books, and living expenses are tallied up, the college fund that was created when students were in diapers can look woefully inadequate. Couple that with the fact that tuition itself has been steadily rising for quite some time and, well, you get the picture.

The idea is to realistically prepare yourself for the true costs of an education. Setting up a realistic budget will help determine everything from how much financial aid you need, to how much you need to work, to how often you can go home. Plan for everything. Know that books run upwards of $150 each. Know that, while Ramen noodles are good, you can not eat them for every meal, they just don't have the nutritional value of real food. Know that you will want to see your parents. Know that you will want to go out. A realistic plan is much better than the cheapest-you-can-possibly-live-for plan.

A good idea is to contact the financial aid department at either potential schools if you are applying, or the school you've been accepted to, and ask them about real costs of education at their school. Their job is to help you with this very issue, use them as much as possible.

An education is pricey but it is widely agreed to be worth it. Future payoffs far outweigh the costs now. However, it is not cheap and a good plan and understanding of the costs can be invaluable.

Cost of Education: Wow, College is Expensive

By: Howard Gottlieb

POST COMMENT

Operating your own english language school Self-education For The Purpose Of Making A Career Why A Virtual School Is For You Don't get scammed, get educated ! Understand scammers and you'll understand their tactics and how to avoid them.... Part 2 The Quran School Online Education in Denver Adelphi University Featured on Colleges of Distinction™ a Leader in Educational Excellence Back to School: are you prepared? Gaining an Online Education in Court Reporting Choosing a reputable driving school in the Rugby area Online Classrooms: The Future of Sustainable Education for All Make Your Own Books At School Making A Great School Yearbook On A Budget